Rodgers reiterates admiration for Reina

By shedding more than seven pounds in weight Reina has signalled his intentions to fight for his first team place, continuing his playing career in the Premier League.

The 30-year-old Spaniard has struggled for 18-months between the sticks for his club, fuelling speculation of a possible approach for Butland.

However, Rodgers sees Reina’s extra work at the training ground as a firm sign that the goalkeeper is prepared improve with the team’s new style of play, stating that “now he is committed to the plan of what we are all trying to do”.

Rodgers then stated that, “I want to make it 150% clear because I have read about goalkeepers being linked and Pepe leaving. This is a guy who is in a really good moment. He is the No1 keeper for Liverpool.”

“He will admit himself that he has had a difficult couple of years but he now has a sense that his best years are in front of him, not behind him. It is a great testament to him that he is now working harder than ever, he has lost weight, he looks fresh, he looks bright, [and] he is doing extra work” said Rodgers,

Rodgers reminded doubters that the keeper has three years left to run on his contract and reiterated his admiration for Reina as a person, saying, “He is a wonderful guy, a real team player, and we have seen in the last number of games that he is getting up to speed and he will be a very important part of how we work.”